KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking that perfect typing experience. The KTT Cream Yellow is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound—a result of its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem which enhances audio feedback. Coupled with a lengthened spring, it delivers a bouncy typing feel that many users find satisfying, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a lively key response. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a different experience; it’s a medium-weight all-POM switch known for its exceptionally smooth performance and thocky sound profile. This switch is designed to break the price barrier without compromising quality, appealing to users who prioritize a silky-smooth keystroke alongside a balanced auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, notable differences are apparent in their top housings. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for creating clear and resonant sounds, particularly when coupled with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects of the illumination. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing that fosters a deeper and more muted sound profile. Although both materials are effective in crafting a unique auditory experience, their contrasting properties result in divergent sound signatures that will appeal to different preferences among typists and gamers.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches, the KTT Cream Yellow makes use of nylon, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound and produce a fuller, deeper sound profile. This classic housing material lends a rounder auditory experience that complements the overall sound of the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also made of POM, which shares similarities with nylon in its capacity to create deeper sound profiles but may lean more towards a muted auditory effect. While both switches utilize softer housing materials in their auxiliary components, the variations in material properties lead to unique sound experiences that cater to different user preferences.
Overall, the combination of distinct top and bottom housing materials in the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie leads to varied tactile and auditory experiences. The Cream Yellow’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom showcase a balance between the clarity of sound and the richness of feel, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie pairs a muted POM top with a similarly muted bottom, resulting in a smoother overall experience. By combining different materials, these switches can achieve a range of auditory characteristics, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their specific typing or gaming needs. Ultimately, while both switches aim to provide satisfying sound profiles, their materials guide the final result, leading to distinct experiences for the end-user.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe that the Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's actuation force is slightly lighter at 48 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This makes the Cream Yellow the heavier switch overall, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users might prefer for a robust feel or when engaging in long sessions of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the lighter 48-gram actuation force of the Sea Salt Smoothie could be more suitable for those who favor a gentler touch, allowing them to type for extended periods without fatigue. Since the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unspecified, it’s difficult to draw complete parallels, but if both switches were to provide similar bottom out experiences upon reaching full depression, users could potentially achieve comparable results when typing. Overall, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preference for lighter versus heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find a notable difference: the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that users who favor a more responsive keypress might prefer the KTT Cream Yellow for its shorter distance, which can contribute to quicker reaction times, especially beneficial for gamers. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and a deeper feel will likely gravitate toward the Sea Salt Smoothie. In summary, if responsiveness is your priority, the Cream Yellow is your best bet, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more substantial travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the KTT Cream Yellow switch delivers a distinctively clacky auditory experience that is characterized by a sharp and snappy sound profile. This clackiness is accentuated by its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide a resonant feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is noted for its sound profile as "thocky," the specifics of this sound aren’t elaborated on in detail. Generally, a thocky sound is deeper and more subdued compared to the crispness of clacky switches. Therefore, while both switches create engaging auditory experiences, the Cream Yellow is likely to feel more lively and percussive, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie may offer a softer, more muted sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is celebrated for its bouncy characteristics, offering users a spring-like feedback that provides a lively sensation with each keystroke. This bounce can make typing feel particularly engaging and responsive, allowing for a satisfying rebound effect. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while highly praised for its overall smoothness, lacks a defined descriptor for its tactile feel in the information provided. However, medium-weight all-POM switches generally suggest a pleasant typing experience, although the specific nuances in tactile feedback remain unspecified.
Overall, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches are designed to offer enjoyable typing experiences, albeit in different ways. If you prefer a clacky and bouncy sensation while typing, the Cream Yellow will likely align with that preference. However, if you favor a thocky sound combined with smooth operation, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better choice. Ultimately, your selection will depend on whether you prioritize sound or the specific type of tactile feedback in your typing experience. Both switches promise quality, so it boils down to your individual preferences and the kind of auditory and tactile sensations you enjoy during use.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your choice should reflect your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a lively, bouncy tactile experience paired with a distinctively clacky sound, the Cream Yellow switch is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams contributes to a satisfying feedback loop that enhances your typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory and tactile feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and subtle typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the better choice. Although its bottom-out force is not specified, it promises exceptional smoothness and a thocky sound profile, making it suitable for quieter environments or for long typing sessions where you prefer less auditory distraction. Ultimately, your decision should consider whether you value auditory feedback and a bouncy feel or if you favor smoothness and a more muted sound.
Mentioned in this article
